2 NEWS Support group fundraising takes off Hard-working volunteers contribute to $54,000 Royal Flying Doctors Service donation THIS year marks a momentous occasion for the Royal Flying Doctors Service Millicent support group, which has raised more than $54,000 with help from the community. The Millicent support group presented the donation to the Royal Flying Doctors Service central operations volunteer coordinator Debbie Adams at its August annual general meeting. “The hard work of the Millicent support group is a great example of just how valuable our network of community supporters is to the flying doctors service,” Ms Adams said. “Our volunteers and supporters are the lifeblood for the flying doctors in the local community.” Royal Flying Doctors Service Millicent support group president John Chalmers said volunteers and supporters had given much of their own time to raising money for the service, while having fun along the way. “As well as our support group, the Wattle Range community through its sporting, arts and other local interest groups has made a mighty effort in contributing to the fundraising success,” he said. “The flying doctor provides a vital health service to rural and remote South Australia, including our own backyard.” Through trivia nights, donations, raffles and a bowls day, the Millicentbased group has raised essential funds. “There is a great deal of ‘fun’ in fundraising and people join our group for a great range of reasons and many form lasting friendships,” Mr Chalmers said. “If anyone has some time to donate, we strongly encourage people to consider attending one of our monthly meetings and seeing if volunteering might be for you.” For more information on how to donate to the Royal Flying Doctors Service or to learn more about volunteering, contact president John Chalmers on 8733 3691. FUN IN FUNDRAISING: Royal Flying Doctors Service Millicent support group members John Clarke and John Chalmers present $54,000 to central operations volunteer coordinator Debbie Adams (centre). Grand final coup for Millicent From front page Mr Tunkin said vehicles could be parked on Norm Facey Oval and marquees, portable toilets and other infrastructure would be hired to ensure adequate facilities for patrons. CELEBRATE THE RA&HS 175TH & SAVE! 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THESHOW.COM.AU 2 - The South Eastern Times, Tuesday, August 26, 2014 “Around $800,000 has been spent on improvements across the sporting complex,” he said. He said the oval drainage had been upgraded, new netball/tennis courts built, the oval fencing replaced and the basketball stadium was extensively renovated and now provides shower facilities for netballers. A few years ago, the 1960sera “tin shed” on the western flank was demolished and replaced with a new elevated undercover viewing area with televisions, a barbecue, booth and seating. The cost of the improvements has been met by donations, loans, sponsorship, fundraising, grants from Wattle Range Council and the State Government and voluntary labour. According to Millicent Business Community Association president Mike Reilly, hosting the Western Border grand final represented a great opportunity for the business sector due to the influx of sporting fans. “This decision is not just good for the Millicent sporting clubs, it is good for the entire com- munity,” Mr Reilly said. “I would encourage all businesses to stay open and trade and support the grand finals.” Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi described the WBFL decision as “great news for Millicent” and said it made sense to shift the finals venues around. The mayor said he was aware of some criticism from Mount Gambier residents, but said the programming decision was the right one. “A significant amount has been invested into McLaughlin Park in recent years,” Mr Gandolfi said. This decision is not just good for the Millicent sporting clubs, it is good for the entire community Millicent Business Community Association president Mike Reilly “Millicent and district has a long sporting tradition and I encourage everyone to get along and view the football and netball contests”. The McLaughlin Park oval is currently in a firm and well-grassed condition and will have only light football traffic ahead of the grand final. The Saints are set to be well represented on the netball courts in the season-deciders across the various grades. McLaughlin Park last hosted a football grand final in 1955 when the Glencoe Murphies defeated the Tarpeena Canaries by just two points for the Mid South East premiership. Millicent also hosted the first Mid SE grand final in 1936 when Glencoe proved too strong for the then Millicent Centrals Football Club. Mill appeal IN BRIEF A FUNDRAISER for a children’s charity will be staged next month at the region’s largest worksite. A call has gone out to the 370 employees of the KimberlyClark Australia Millicent Mill to support research into the debilitating Sanfilippo disease, which afflicts children. On September 19, Millicent Mill staff members have coordinate a 10km walkathon and similar events are being held at other Kimberly-Clark offices and plants around Australia. All employees will band together and wear something purple, which is the colour for Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation. The KimberlyClark organisation as a whole across the nation has aimed to raise $100,000 for the foundation and the company has agreed to match the proceeds raised by employees. The walkathon around the Millicent Mill will start at 10am and be followed by a lunch. www.thesoutheasterntimes.com.au